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Tuesday, January 19, 2010

What a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to be a part of a great event hosted by the Horticultural Society of New York and the New York Librarians Meetup Group. On February 9, 2010 at the headquarters of the Horticultural Society (148 West 37th Street) there will be a one time chance to meet the author of the “delicious” book- The New Taste of Chocolate: a Cultural and Natural History of Cacao. Culinary historian, Maricell Presilla, will be discussing her newest edition of her book. In her book you can read about the history of chocolate from the first Latin American Cacao plantations, where the world’s finest chocolates are grown, to the up and coming chocolate fads of today. The book also discusses the makings of chocolate and what constitutes good quality and flavor by delving deep into the complexities of genetics, that even chocolate possesses. Recipes and photographs are also included so that you yourself can create your very own delicious chocolate at home or take a glimpse at some of the finest chocolates around the world. The discussion will include topics like the history of chocolate throughout the ages and her ideas on the newest chocolate trends around the world. You will also have the opportunity to take part in a chocolate tasting of all different types of artisan chocolates, as well as some traditional Latin American chocolates from her own collection.

So if you are interested, don’t forget to register for this great event by calling the Horticultural Society at (212) 757-0915, x100. The event costs $10 for HSNY members and $20 for non-members. Once registered, we will see you on February 9, 2010 at 148 West 37th Street on the 13th floor at 6:00pm (find us by looking for the Red Meetup Badge). Hope you all come and experience the World of Chocolate with a riveting lecture and discussion, delicious chocolate tasting and generous book signing.Afterwards, there may be a tour of the Horticultural Society’s library with librarian Katherine Powis where you will be able to learn how the Horticultural Society functions and provides for the public that it serves. As a social service structure to the community of New York, HSNY provides many different educational resources and tools for people to use. The library, “with thousands of volumes on all aspects of gardens and gardening…informs and inspires gardeners, students, and casual browsers” and enables them to make use of the diverse collections it provides.

There will also be a break-out after session at a neighborhood venue, to be announced shortly. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please post on the NYL Meetup website (http://www.meetup.com/NYLibrarians/) or e-mail Stephanie (ereserves.stephanie@gmail.com).Hope to see you all there for some interesting and yummy talk on the world of chocolate, and interesting information on an important part of a green and growing societal organization in New York.